Take a photo of a barcode or cover
funny
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Long time comic book readers know never to let a cover fool you into thinking the picture on top accurately describes the story within unless you are very lucky, but Kevin Wada's art is so pretty. And I really liked the previous vs. limited run of "Hawkeye vs. Deadpool" so this story with two of my favorite characters was too tempting not to try.
The good news is this is decently funny and plays to Deadpool's irreverent strengths. Cameos by D-list villains and special guests: Fat Cobra of Fraction's Iron Fist and the eternal lie-smith Loki make fun plot points to play off of. It feels like a Deadpool comic that would suit in some of Duggan's mid-level arcs.
However, when one half of your vs team is shortchanged in agency and tone, it makes the story uneven. Gambit's character is basically Deadpool's straight man of the comedy duo who seems to make random choices regarding whatever works best for the rule of funny. Such as dressing up as Daredevil and starting a public fake fight with Deadpool's Spidey which is really obviously an excuse to have the reader enjoy six pages of two other heroes sounding ridiculous with dynamic art. But it doesn't really give a lot of character work for Gambit and Deadpool's relationship, and that's really what I wanted to see in this story.
The main conceit of the two not being able to really trust each other and being duped by a third agent is a good set up. But, again, the writing seems to sacrifice any through lines for the next convenient joke. There is a dramatic moment that ends one issue and is literally handwaved away in a page in the next character appearance. SpoilerGambit's powers have backfired on him and caused him to charge organic matter, meaning he accidentally blows up a Rogue-lookalike's hand and leaves her in a hospital. Only to find out next time they meet that she has magical monk powers to restore it because...chi mysticism doesn't need explanation. See? And you thought I was just misusing figurative language for emphasis!
Overall, it's okay. The art is clean, there are a lot of visual gags. Lots of meta humor and nods to fans of the characters. If you wanted to call attention to flaws, then it's a series that didn't know how to balance all its resources. If you don't mind things leaning toward Deadpool-esque nonsense then you'll find a lot of things to enjoy. But I'd say that it shortchanged Gambit, and if you want a funnier and more coherent reluctant team up story you should try "Hawkeye vs. Deadpool" first.
But, hey, still miles more coherent than Batman v. Superman! Where the v. is for, uh, symbolism.
The good news is this is decently funny and plays to Deadpool's irreverent strengths. Cameos by D-list villains and special guests: Fat Cobra of Fraction's Iron Fist and the eternal lie-smith Loki make fun plot points to play off of. It feels like a Deadpool comic that would suit in some of Duggan's mid-level arcs.
However, when one half of your vs team is shortchanged in agency and tone, it makes the story uneven. Gambit's character is basically Deadpool's straight man of the comedy duo who seems to make random choices regarding whatever works best for the rule of funny. Such as dressing up as Daredevil and starting a public fake fight with Deadpool's Spidey which is really obviously an excuse to have the reader enjoy six pages of two other heroes sounding ridiculous with dynamic art. But it doesn't really give a lot of character work for Gambit and Deadpool's relationship, and that's really what I wanted to see in this story.
The main conceit of the two not being able to really trust each other and being duped by a third agent is a good set up. But, again, the writing seems to sacrifice any through lines for the next convenient joke. There is a dramatic moment that ends one issue and is literally handwaved away in a page in the next character appearance. SpoilerGambit's powers have backfired on him and caused him to charge organic matter, meaning he accidentally blows up a Rogue-lookalike's hand and leaves her in a hospital. Only to find out next time they meet that she has magical monk powers to restore it because...chi mysticism doesn't need explanation. See? And you thought I was just misusing figurative language for emphasis!
Overall, it's okay. The art is clean, there are a lot of visual gags. Lots of meta humor and nods to fans of the characters. If you wanted to call attention to flaws, then it's a series that didn't know how to balance all its resources. If you don't mind things leaning toward Deadpool-esque nonsense then you'll find a lot of things to enjoy. But I'd say that it shortchanged Gambit, and if you want a funnier and more coherent reluctant team up story you should try "Hawkeye vs. Deadpool" first.
But, hey, still miles more coherent than Batman v. Superman! Where the v. is for, uh, symbolism.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Blood, Gaslighting
Moderate: Sexual content, Alcohol
Minor: Body shaming, Terminal illness